Hiking to the Hiking The Fisher Towers, Moab, Utah

Moab

Hiking The Fisher Towers, Moab

The Fisher Towers Trail, located just 16 miles northeast of Moab, Utah, is a stunning 4-mile round-trip hike that winds through towering, fin-like rock formations. These dramatic spires are made of Moenkopi and Cutler sandstone, sculpted by erosion into unique shapes and sizes over time. As one of the most iconic scenic spots along Utah’s Colorado Riverway, the Fisher Towers rise high above a vibrant landscape of red and pink canyons. From the trail, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Colorado River, Onion Creek, and the well-known rock formation known as “Priest and Nuns” to the south.

Contents hide

5 Hiking The Fisher Towers – What To Expect

5.1 A Climbers Dream

5.2 Ladder Scramble

5.3 End of the Trail Sign

5.4 Movies filmed near Fisher Towers

6 Trail Map

7 Nearby Hike

8 Save me on Pinterest!

8.1 Share the love!

About

While the trail is considered short, it is fully exposed to the elements. Be prepared by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and bringing at least 3 liters of water per person—plus extra if you’re bringing your dog. The trail is both kid- and dog-friendly, and although many visitors keep their dogs leashed, it is not a strict requirement.

Most hikers turn around at the halfway point, where you’ll find the tallest tower, The Titan. However, for the best panoramic views of the entire Fisher Towers area, continue to the end of the trail—you won’t be disappointed.

Directions

From Moab, head North on HWY 191, then head East along the Colorado River (HWY 128). Drive for 21 miles, then look for the brown Fisher Towers sign. Just over and down the hill, you will turn Right onto a dirt road. Compact cars, such as my Sonata, will make it just fine. Drive to the very end of the dirt road until you reach the parking lot and TH. Be aware that after 9am on weekends, the parking lot fills up very quickly, and you may need to park down the road, then walk up to the TH. Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 4 miles RTElevation Gain: 700 ftTime: 2-5 hoursDog friendly? Yes, off leashKid friendly? YesFees/Permits Required? No

Hiking The Fisher Towers – What To Expect

The trail begins in the SE corner of the parking lot.

Immediately the trail drops down, then you will hike along a ledge.

Within the first 10 minutes of hiking, you will cut between two large rock walls, with rock steps to help you down. Again, hike back up, continuing to follow the marked trail.

A Climbers Dream

The famous “Corkscrew Summit” – a climber’s paradise with amazing view. To see what it looks like from the top, check out this video.

Our long time friend Lou was visiting, and Ian explained how the climbers get on top of it from the backside.
The highest tower (not 100% visible here), The Titan, which is 900 ft, was first climbed in 1962 by three men from Colorado. Their ascent was described in the “We Climbed Utah’s Skyscraper Rock” published in National Geographic, November 1962. Although the crumbly texture of the Fisher Towers offers less than ideal conditions, rock climbing is now relatively common in this area as a result of improved climbing equipment and techniques.

Ladder Scramble

Hike along the East facing wall, which will drop down, and will need to go down this ladder.

Large dogs will not be able to get down that ladder, even with help from a friend. The easiest way for the dogs to get to the other side, is to actually hike above the ladder (up the hillside), then down this little slot canyon. All of our 8 dogs needed to do this, and hiking through it was more fun and prettier than taking the ladder. This photo was taken on our first trip to Fisher Towers in 2015!

Continuing on the trail, you will hike on this flat ladders, to help you step up. I think it also helps with erosion.

End of the Trail Sign

At about 2.2 miles, the trail really opens up and you will have fantastic views of the Fisher Towers behind you. Visitors are sure to be impressed with this trail!